Aichi, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India men’s kabaddi captain Sunil Kumar said his dream of winning Asian Games gold had come true after leading the team to a thrilling 40-34 victory over Iran in the final on Saturday, successfully defending the title in Aichi-Nagoya. The victory gave India its ninth men’s kabaddi gold at the Asian Games.
Sunil credited the team’s eight-month preparation under the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI), saying the extended camp laid the foundation for the campaign.
“I have won the gold medal. I have worked hard for it. For the last eight months, AKFI and SAI had started our camp. They had worked very hard,” Sunil told IANS.
India trailed Iran 17-18 at half-time in a closely fought final before producing a strong second-half comeback. Arjun Deshwal and Devank Dalal spearheaded the attack, while Sunil, Sumit and Jaideep Dahiya led the defensive effort.
A crucial turning point came when Arjun got past Iran captain Fazel Atrachali to help India inflict an All-Out and move five points ahead with 10 minutes remaining. Sumit then made an important tackle on Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh, while Rahul Sethpal contributed a key defensive intervention late in the match as India held on for the 40-34 victory.
Sunil dedicated the gold medal to his coach Bhupender Malik and elder brother Vijender Malik, crediting both for supporting him since childhood. He also dedicated the triumph to Indian fans who had prayed for the team during the tournament.
The captain also backed the campaign to have kabaddi included in the Olympic programme, pointing to the sport’s growing global reach.
“We want kabaddi to be included in the Olympics because it is a very interesting game. Players get a chance to play again and again. Many countries have started playing now,” he said.
Sunil also recalled the encouragement from the coaching staff, saying their repeated invocation of Hanuman gave the players confidence during the campaign.
Devank Dalal, who played an important role in India’s attacking unit, described the victory as the fulfilment of a long-held dream and dedicated the medal to kabaddi players competing in India and abroad.
“My dream has come true today. The team played very well, and we are taking the gold medal home,” Devank told IANS.
Devank said he had already spoken to his parents and uncle after the final and expressed hope that athletes across countries would receive greater recognition and support.
India’s men had entered the Asian Games as defending champions and completed their title defence with a comeback win over Iran in the final.
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